Il Corriere dello Sport notes Napoli–Udinese could have been ‘a disaster’ for Victor Osimhen, while La Gazzetta dello Sport reports the Nigeria international ‘never smiled’ but his performance was still positive.
The Nigeria international scored a goal in Napoli’s 4-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday night. All eyes were on the Partenopei striker after his agent Roberto Calenda had threatened to take legal action against the club for a TikTok video published in the aftermath of last week’s 0-0 draw against Bologna, seemingly mocking his client.
Osimhen started and scored against Udinese and let his teammate Piotr Zielinski take a penalty kick in the first half. Osimhen didn’t celebrate his goal but did shake Garcia’s hand when he was subbed off in the second half.
The Nigeria international received high ratings from Italian sports papers on Thursday morning although he was not the best player at the Stadio Maradona.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttosport and Il Corriere dello Sport, all rated Osi 7/10, while Kvara was given 8/10 by Tuttosport and Corsport and 7.5/10 by Gazzetta.
Osimhen “had the eyes of the world on him after three terrible days. He didn’t smile, but was always in the game,” wrote the pink paper.
“He left the penalty kick for Zielinski but returned to scoring from open play.”
“He didn’t take responsibility for the penalty, but it was fine,” added Il Corriere dello Sport.
“It could have been a disastrous night, but it was more than positive eventually.”
It is time for Victor Osimhen to go to a club where he is appreciated and respected and he talent is worship. Without Osimhen Napoli is nothing and it is time to say goodbye for Serie A and begin life in the Premier Lige
Imagine thinking a football team of nearly 100 years old is smaller than a temporary mercenary African striker! @Razak you are part of the new breed of football fan , raised on FIFA playstation and clueless about loyalty and fans that actually go to games!